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Natalie Portman apologizes for comments about Jessica Simpson

ABC/Fred LeeAfter Jessica Simpson called her out on Instagram Wednesday, Natalie Portman has apologized for her recent comments about the singer in an interview with USA Today.

Portman said in the interview that as a teen, she was “confused” by seeing Simpson pose in a bikini while proclaiming she was a virgin.

“I would never intend to shame anybody and that was absolutely not my intention,” the actress told Entertainment Tonight. “I was really talking about mixed media messages out there for young women and completely apologize for any hurt it may have caused because that was definitely not my intention.”

She continued, “What I said was, I was confused by mixed messages when I was a young girl growing up, and there are a lot of messages for how women should be, and women should be allowed to do whatever they want.”

Portman acknowledged that she shouldn’t have named Simpson specifically.

“It is a mistake to say anyone’s name,” she said. “I could have made my message without naming.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Simpson wrote that she was “disappointed” by Portman’s comments, saying, “I have made it my practice to not shame other women for their choices. In this era of Time’s Up and all the great work you have done for women, I encourage you to do the same.”

Portman also added a comment to Simpson’s post, saying in part, “I didn’t mean to shame you and I’m sorry for any hurt my words may have caused. I have nothing but respect for your talent and your voice that you use to encourage and empower women all over the globe.”